Submitted by Pastor Kailea Nauman, First Christian Church 

Did you know that in Scripture it says, “Do not fear” 365 times? It says, do not fear, do not be afraid, trust in the Lord. In the world it is hard not to fear and not to be anxious. There is much to worry about it seems and especially now with the world the way it is. Some might fear the election, others might fear war, while others simply fear how they will put food on the table or get school supplies.

Our fears might be different, but how we handle fear and how we handle anxiety and worry is important. In Matthew 6:25-34 it says, “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can anyone of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” 

The Lord reminds us in this passage that He is our provider just as He cares for the birds but He cares much more about us and our needs.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

In times of trouble or uncertainty it is easy to get caught up in fear and worry but I want to remind you to keep your eyes on Jesus in these times. That you would ask Him to meet your needs, that you would trust Him to do it. I want to remind you who God is: He is Jehovah Rapha the God who heals, He is Jehovah Nissi the Lord is our Banner, the Lord who fights our battles, Jehovah Jireh the Lord who provides, and Jehovah Shalom God our peace. 

We can trust Him, and I pray that brings you peace. When life overwhelms you, let it draw you closer to the Lord so He can fill you. He is our refuge and our protector. Run to Him.